Poll finds Trump's biggest supporters don't believe in white privilege
While pundits and dinner party pontificators throughout President Trump's political career have argued that attitudes about race aren't a major factor in his popularity, a new survey from the Pew Research Center indicates otherwise. The poll shows a strong association between political leanings and views about whether white people experience advantages in society over other races — and identifies a correlation between these views and approval of Trump's performance as president.
The survey finds that 74 percent of people who believe white people do not have advantages also approve of Trump's job performance, and 60 percent approve strongly. Of those who merely think white people don't benefit "too much," 57 percent approve of Trump, while 36 percent approve strongly. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who share these beliefs are even more likely to be Trump fans: Eighty-nine percent think he's doing a good job. Conversely, 97 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who believe white people do benefit a "great deal" from privilege disapprove of Trump's work so far.
During his time in office, Trump has continued to push for a wall separating Mexico and the U.S.; blamed "both sides" for a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia; and, most recently, referred to athletes peacefully protesting racism and police brutality as "sons of bitches."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Overall, Pew found that 56 percent of Americans believe in white privilege of some kind. Specifically, 92 percent of black people believe white people benefit a "great deal," while only 46 percent of white respondents said they felt they benefited a "fair amount." See the full findings here.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Roxie Pell is the social media editor of TheWeek.com. She has previously written for Gothamist, Frommer's, and The Rumpus.
-
Are 'judge shopping' rules a blow to Republicans?
Today's Big Question How the abortion pill case got to the Supreme Court
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Climate change is driving Indian women to choose sterilization
under the radar Faced with losing their jobs, they are making a life-altering decision
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
'A great culture will be lost if the EV brigade gets its way'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump gets $289M break, first criminal trial date
Speed Read The former president's fraud bond has been reduced to $175 million from $464 million
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US-Israel rift widens after UN cease-fire resolution
Speed Read The U.S. declined to veto a U.N. resolution calling for a two-week "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New Jersey first lady exits race to replace Menendez
Speed Read Tammy Murphy dropping out paves the way for Rep. Andy Kim to become the state's next senator
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia blames Ukraine for deadly ISIS Moscow attack
Speed Read Putin has ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the concert hall shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump-RNC pact puts Trump legal bills ahead of GOP
Speed Read The former president has struck a deal with the Republican National Committee to put donations toward his legal bills
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Vietnam president resigns amid scandal
Speed Read Vietnam loses its second president in two years as Vo Van Thuong steps down
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Texas migrant law in limbo after Supreme Court OK
Speed Read The law has been blocked again, mere hours after the Supreme Court allowed the state to arrest migrants
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published